asked the Minister for Finance if there is any proposal for a comprehensive review of Ireland's tax policy arising from the probable introduction of VAT; and if he will make a statement on this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tax Policy.
19.
As announced in the Budget speech in April, 1968, a comprehensive review of the tax system was initiated before any decisions were taken in relation to the introduction of the value-added tax. This review extends to corporate and personal taxation as well as to sales taxation and it influenced the budgetary measures introduced in 1969 and 1970. It is of course a continuing process under which the implications for the tax system as a whole of any further proposals for reform, including the value-added tax, can be adequately assessed.
May I ask the Minister if there is any likelihood that VAT will be introduced into this country during 1971 or if there are any proposals to introduce it, bearing in mind in particular the suggestion of the immediate former Minister for Finance that this should come about and his wide experience in such matters is now freely available to the Government. On that basis could we have some further indication from the Minister on the prospect of such a major change coming about?
I indicated quite some time ago that it was hoped to introduce a value-added taxation system into this country in the latter half of this year.
As a matter of fact the Minister said this year.